Playwright, William Shakespeare, introduces the idea of betrayal in the play, “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. “ Brutus addresses the Roman people after the conspirators have murdered Caesar. In his speech, Brutus aims to convince the Roman people of his attempt to liberate them from a tyrannical rule of Caesar. Diction, antithesis and parallelism are techniques Brutus skillfully uses to create a logical reason for the assassination of Caesar, therefore creating a patriotic tone.
Brutus opens his speech by proclaiming that Rome is the most important thing to him. He appeals to the Romans by beginning his speech with “Romans, countrymen and lovers...” (1) By using “Romans” to begin his speech, he emphasizes what is most important, freedom, in order to evoke a loyal position within the people. The nationalistic approach conveys a patriotic tone which justifies the assassination of Caesar. The conspirators rightfully murdered Caesar for the good of Rome.
Throughout his speech, Brutus’ skillful use of antithesis is reinforces his patriotism once by once gain reminding the Roman people that Rome is more important than anything. In line 8 and 9 he drives the Roman people’s attention by stating, “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.” By using antithesis, Caesar emphasizes the importance of freedom. He places a greater importance on Rome to add to the patriotic tone. The position gained not only reinforces his motive; it offers a just cause for the murder of Caesar.
Towards the end of his speech Brutus uses parallelism to convince the Roman people that what he did was right. Brutus states, “Who here so base that would be a bondman? If any speak, for him I have offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any speak, for him have I offended.” Brutus asks the crowd rhetorical questions, to get their attention and get them thinking. He makes it seem like if they liked Caesar they weren’t true Roman people. He ends his speech with parallelism emphasizing his intentions of keeping the Roman people from a tyrant.
The use of diction, antithesis, and parallelism in Brutus’ speech helps create to a patriotic tone. The crowd is pursued that Brutus’ intent is to free them from a tyrant, Cesar.
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